Those folks from afar.

Where tourism is concerned, it is paramount, that we in Ireland play a part to welcome those that make serious efforts to get here. When you live in a tourist area, as I do, it becomes a default responsibility and in fact a pleasure. Over the last three years some common misconceptions of our American visitors have, to me, become somewhat magnified. In turn I thought it fitting to write a little story that could put some of those myths to sleep and invite some reality. I have never found myself too far away from an American since I took to climbing Croagh Patrick mountain in Co Mayo and sharing my photography. 

Either in person or through social networking, I have built some very strong professional and personal relationships with my American friends and colleagues. During the tourist season the influx of visitors is never ending, ultimately you end up talking with these 'foreigners' and asking questions of each other. We are curious outright, as are they. We are English speaking and naturally if conversation is to arise, it's going to be a darn sight easier with a fellow English speaker. That said I have had conversations in French and even met two Indian brothers and learned a little of their language, I try my best at German and if all else fails it's hand gestures. 

There is a common misconception outside of America, upheld by a minority, that it's people are 'brash' or 'ill informed' and 'loud', that they exhibit this 'false superiority' that they 'only want to talk about how great America is'. To be quite honest, I grew up hearing these misconceptions and took them for truth, when you hear it often, you start to entertain it and perhaps even accept it. Where on Earth did that story originate I wonder, how far has that story traveled and for what reason? When tourist season is on I see people from my part of Ireland extending all necessary courtesy to visitors from abroad, they'll take the time to do so, they may even make a friend or two in the process. The average American visitor really enjoys getting a feel of the atmosphere, he or she likes to make memories especially in respect of meeting natives. They like to socialize, to hear stories, here that traditional music and inquire about relatives and family history. On the whole all of those traits and inquiries are thoroughly welcomed. But, there's a dark side, those original misconceptions pop up in their absence. That word 'yanks' makes an appearance and after our inquiring friends have exited the door, somebody is reflecting those American myths. I used to let it pass and not volunteer my opinion.

From 2010 onward I could have bet money on meeting Americans daily, in connection with Croagh Patrick mountain and it's many visitors from abroad. Either in a social capacity or as a mountain guide, a position I was offered late in the season last year. I took that offer because there's nothing, to me, quite like being outdoors and meeting good people. The task itself was very straight forward and something to which I was already very accustomed , to guide these groups up the mountain, be myself, share a laugh, share a story and even share chocolate. 

These were American groups, big groups of young adults with minds like sponges, full of questions, really polite, really decent people. Meanwhile I was in contact with other visitors from America of a different generation, much of that through social networking and the Croagh Patrick 365 project. I would make it a priority, where possible, to meet these people when they came to Ireland. To mirror that courtesy they afforded me for following Croagh Patrick 365 online and in the media. Sometimes we would arrange to climb during their visit, to essentially meet as strangers and part as friends. Sometimes we would meet for coffees or a beer. To this day I am in touch with 90% of the Americans I have met, all thanks to the digital age.

Not once did I ever get a sense of those misconceptions commonly accepted. I have never met people that were such great ambassadors for their country. Great listeners, clever thinkers and good planners, worldly wise but playing it cool. Genuinely interested in building friendships, thankful, peaceful and ever so polite. 

Out of season, in the absence of American visitors, I often hear the opposite to these exemplary traits. These days I make a point to add a correction and make it known to that party, that what they are encouraging is inexcusable. To plan that trip, to come all of that way across time zones, to meet Ireland and avail of that much celebrated welcome. To spend their hard earned money. To exhibit all of those traits that are right and true. I owe it to the hundreds of Americans I have met, to play a continuing part in dispelling these transparent myths.

Usually an article requires an explanation of its attached photograph, where it was taken, who was in it, what they were doing. Well, I'll tell you they were from Georgia and how they look ? ..... well that's how they were and above all, are.Pictures speak a thousand words.